Street Grating Trials

One thing that many New York women can look forward to in the colder weather is being able to walk on street grating - that is, only if they are wearing boots. If a woman has careened into you from almost a 90 degree angle, it may be because she doesn't want to get her heels caught in the grating that can attach themselves around heels of many kinds. Of course, women are unable to avoid getting a heel caught in a sidewalk crack, but Gothamist tries to follow the "walk on a crack, you break your mother's back" philosophy of avoiding sidewalk cracks in an OCD way. So enjoy the boot wearing weather and walk on.

Red of 990000 has two great photographs of kids' first street grating impressions (one is at left). And for a taste of NYC street grating during the summer, watch The Seven Year Itch for one part street grating, one part white halter dress, and a lot of Marilyn Monroe.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in Miscellaneous on October 22, 2004 1:56 PM

Comments [rss]

An Andy Rooney

Don't believe a word of 66's rant. I'm a straight guy and I love elegant heels on women. The way a woman walks in heels is pure eroticism. So more power to you, women in stilettos. (And less of the suit and sneakers look please!)

Ron Mwangaguhunga

the efforts in high heels are greatly appreciated

ooga

i know tons of straight guys that love and appreciate a well crafted 3 incher. it is an acquired taste i suppose.

ooga

i know tons of straight guys that love and appreciate a well crafted 3 incher. it is an acquired taste and i don't need to be any taller - i am already close to 6 feet.

ooga

i know tons of straight guys that love and appreciate a well crafted 3 incher. it is an acquired taste and nothing goes better with naked.

66

But here's the deal. We really don't give a sh1t about ladies shoes, or at least not us straight ones. That whole shoe obsession is all a female thing. You all look funny trying to walk in those things and trying to make yourselves 3" taller than you really are. They're like fake tits, or dyed hair. Nobody is buying the whole "oh, they're actually quite comfortable" thing ... please.

Sorry to rant, but it's so true. Men really don't care about heels on women, especially short women because 8-10% of you is heel. Be short, be proud.

katie

Just because I'm a sl*t doesn't mean I should have to take fall and risk breaking my neck everytime I wear my stilletos.

I know you guys love them, so get all hypocritical on my cute little *ss by mocking us when they get stuck in the grates.

katie

CityRag

reminds me of Max Neuhaus's Times Square sound-art that's located under a grate in the center of TS...

"an invisible, unmarked block of sound at the north end of the pedestrian island. A rich harmonic sound texture emerges from a large underground vault covered by a grating."

the piece is "invisible and intentionally anonymous" but the "subtle but palpable sonic resonance" fills the end of the center triangle in Times Square. I like to stand there and watch the mistified faces of tourists - they seem to think it's a natural effect/sound the city makes. it's fantastic!

66

Easy solution. Wear more practical shoes. I love it when I see someone's heel get stuck in those things. She knows why, we know why, it's funny and embarassing. Why you ladies choose to wear those silly things is beyond me.

Zia

finally someone recognizes the trials that women face on an everyday basis. And I'm usually the lady careening into someone at a 90 degree angle.